Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the Untied States. The American Heart Association estimates that every 25 seconds, someone in the United States will suffer a heart attack. Every minute someone dies from it. In 2009, heart disease will cost the United States $304.6 billion. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity.

There are different forms of heart disease. The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing of the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This is called coronary artery disease and it is a major reason for heart attacks. When the coronary arteries are blocked, oxygen cannot get to the affected area of the heart and if the blockage lasts for more than a few minutes, permanent damage can occur. Reduced coronary blood flow from a partial blockage can cause angina (chest pain), shortness of breath and other symptoms. When a complete blockage occurs, it can cause a heart attack.

What blocks the arteries? Fat, cholesterol and other deposits form “plaques” which build up in the artery’s walls. The process can take years and can be prevented or treated.

Other kinds of heart problems may affect the valves in the heart, or the heart muscle may not pump well and cause heart failure. Some people are born with heart disease and this is called congenital heart disease (e.g., a “hole” in the heart or septal defect).

Despite remarkable progress in research and
treatment, nearly 80 million Americans continue to
suffer from heart and vascular diseases. Among
people under 40 years of age, one in two men and one
in three women will develop the diseases in their
lifetimes. Every 34 seconds, someone will suffer a
heart attack. Every minute, someone will die from
one. That’s the bad news. The good news is that both
men and women can do a lot to prevent heart disease.
Diet, exercise and quitting smoking are important
ways to prevent heart disease. Physicians also
recommend that patients lower high blood pressure,
reduce high blood cholesterol and manage their
diabetes. All the evidence tells us that individuals
can improve their quality of life by taking charge
of their own heart health.